The Arms Akimbo was formally established in the spring of 2009. The beginnings, however, date to almost a decade beforehand when members, Nick Schaser and Ian Schaser and Chris Dillon played together throughout the Twin Cities, as The Serfs even though none of the boys would have been legally allowed in under normal circumstances. After the group disbanded in 2005, bassist and singer Nick moved to the UK, playing in London-based Brit pop band, Jack Maggs.